Vancouver — The BC Lumber Trade Council (BCLTC) strongly opposes the U.S. Department of Commerce’s preliminary decision to increase anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 20.07%. This unjustified move will negatively impact forestry workers and communities in British Columbia, while further burdening homebuilders, consumers, and the broader construction sector in the United States. “It is deeply disappointing that the U.S. continues to impose these protectionist trade measures” said Kurt Niquidet, President of the BC Lumber Trade Council. “The fact remains that the United States relies on Canadian softwood lumber imports and these duties will harm not only the B.C. forestry industry, but also U.S. consumers, who will bear some of the cost”. Ongoing rebuilding efforts in North Carolina and California, where affordable and reliable lumber is critical to recovery, will be more expensive as a result of this decision.
The U.S. Commerce Department today announced new preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports of 20%. …The duties won’t become final until August, when final determinations are expected to be made. …The new preliminary duties is just the first shot across the bow in what is expected to be a nasty trade war, with additional tariffs that may be layered on top of duties. …Anti-dumping and countervailing duties have been in place on Canadian softwood lumber at varying levels since 2017, following the expiration of the last softwood lumber agreement in 2015. The duties on Canadian softwood lumber have been effective in shrinking Canada’s market share… from about 35% in 2016, to about 24% as of the end of 2024.
VICTORIA – The United Steelworkers union (USW) acknowledges the difficult position facing the B.C. government in its 2025 budget and applauds the thoughtful, diligent focus on priorities by Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey. U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats and the imposition of tariffs have created uncertainty for important exports, including lumber, copper, zinc and other essential products. …“Workers are calling for action to grow and diversify the economy and supply chains, reducing dependence on the U.S. market while ensuring jobs in mining, critical minerals and processing, forestry and lumber manufacturing,” said Scott Lunny, USW Western Canada Director. …B.C. should prepare for a wave of layoffs in the forest sector due to rising duties. …The USW is urging the B.C. government to increase the supply of fibre and streamline the permitting process in the logging sector to support the primary industry and facilitate ongoing efforts to expand manufacturing, Mass Timber and other value-added industries.
Overnight, Jake Power went from reflecting on one of the best months that his Agassiz-based custom sawmill has ever had to staring into a potential recession sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Power, along with every other British Columbian, woke up to the reality of a trade war. …“Our business was growing, our customers were doing well,” said Power, CEO of Power Wood. “Now, I think we all expect a North American recession if this continues.” …Premier David Eby declared that “all bets are off” in terms of his response to standing up for the province. …Trade economist Werner Antweiler said he worries the most about B.C.’s forest industry, which was “already struggling (at) the edge of profitability.” …There is another looming danger in a trade war if it results in continuing depreciation of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. currency, according to economist Bryan Yu.
KAMLOOPS — The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced plans to almost triple the anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber. …“It’s going to be devastating for our industry if we can’t come up with some cost saving methods to be able to not only be more competitive but also trading with our largest partner when it comes to our softwood lumber agreement. …Kamloops-North Thompson MLA and Forest Critic Ward Stamer believes B.C. needs to place a carbon tax on coal as a response. “Our party proposed a carbon tax on U.S. thermal coal through our ports last Monday, and really what we should be doing — whatever they are charging us in duties, we should be charging them back with a carbon tax. …The BC Conservatives asked for an update on their carbon tax proposal during Monday’s question period.
Landscape to Local: Integrated solutions to wildfire, conservation, community safety and economic development: As wildfires intensify and land use policies evolve, finding solutions requires cooperation across governments, First Nations, local communities, labour and industry. The “Landscape to Local” panel will tackle critical issues, shedding light on real world strategies, innovative practices and community-driven approaches to address the dual challenges of protecting our forests while supporting local economies. Join our distinguished panel of experts: John Kitzhaber, Former Governor of Oregon; Ward Stamer, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson and BC Conservative Critic for Forests; Klay Tindall, General Manager of Lil’Wat Forestry Ventures; James Whitehead, Engagement Analyst with the Mitigating Wildfire Initiative at SFU’s Wosk Centre for Dialogue; and Moderator Zara Rabinovitch, Vice President of Sustainability & Public Affairs at COFI.
A key government program designed to help older forestry workers transition into retirement has officially closed after assisting more than 2,200 individuals since its inception in 2019. The Bridging to Retirement Program, launched in response to economic challenges in the forestry sector, has distributed over $92 million in funding, helping affected workers retire early while opening up job opportunities for younger employees, according to the government. The program, which began in October 2019, reached capacity and officially ceased intake on February 26, 2025. Initially funded with $40 million, the program was later expanded to $50 million and renewed in 2021 with a three-year funding commitment. Eligible workers aged 55 and older were provided with financial support of up to $75,000 each, based on their experience and employer contributions. …When first announced in 2019, the provincial government pledged $69 million in forestry support programs to mitigate job losses, strengthen community resilience, and promote economic recovery. …While the program has concluded, new concerns loom over the B.C. forestry sector. 
The B.C. Council of Forest Industries (COFI) welcomed B.C.’s responses to American tariffs, but questioned aspects of the provincial budget tabled Tuesday. B.C.’s forests minister, meanwhile, is calling on Ottawa to step up supports. Kim Haakstad, president and CEO of COFI, said her organization welcomes the budget’s focus on responding to new tariffs announced March 4. “We are disappointed by the absence of dedicated support for the forest sector,” Haakstad said. “As Premier (David) Eby and (Forests) Minister (Ravi) Parmar have acknowledged, the forest sector will be particularly hard hit by the new tariffs at a time when the industry is already facing significant challenges. These broad-based tariffs apply to all forest product exports … adding further pressure on workers, companies and communities already affected by softwood lumber duties.” …COFI remains committed to working with the government to advance solutions that strengthen the forestry sector, improve the provincial economy and diversify markets. 
B.C.’s Ministry of Forests will pump $28 million into 74 wildfire-prevention projects across all eight of the province’s natural resource regions, an investment applauded by NDP MLAs given its nearly $3-million investment in Kootenay communities. Through the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), 43 new and expanded fibre-recovery projects and 31 new and expanded wildfire-mitigation projects will receive the funding, with all 74 projects expected to be complete by end of March. …In the Kootenay natural resource region, some $2,854,000 is supporting seven projects. These include $1.6 million for Nk’Mip Forestry in Castlegar; $593,000 for the Slocan Integral Foresty Cooperative; $396,000 and $46,500 for the Nakusp and Area Community Forest in Nakusp and New Denver, respectively; $101,000 for the Harrop-Procter Community Co-operative; $96,500 for the West Kootenay Woodlot Association in Nelson; and $21,000 for the Creston Valley Forest Corporation.
In response to the Whitebark Pine Harvesting complaint response from the Forest Practices Board (FPB). Having been aware of and having followed the complaint over the last couple of years, it is interesting to read the FPB’s response summarized by Gazette staff in the Feb. 19, 2025 edition. The gravity of harvesting the Cut Block in question has more potential consequences than what meets the eye….We as local inhabitants of the Boundary have not yet convinced the Government to take these high elevation forests out of the Timber Harvesting Land Base (THLB) within the Boundary Timber Supply Area (TSA) or TFL 8. Doing so would help aid in preventing droughts and floods. Subalpine forests are harsh environments where tree establishment and growth is very difficult and slow. Will the Whitebark Pine seedlings survive in sufficient numbers to reestablish a new forest?…What are we doing?
A new wildfire risk reduction project in Bella Coola is set to benefit the community by improving forest safety and supporting local jobs. North Coast-Haida Gwaii MLA Tamara Davidson says the initiative will help reduce wildfire threats while increasing the fibre supply for the forestry industry, which continues to face challenges from U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber. The Bella Coola Community Forest is a cherished part of the region for both locals and visitors, said Davidson. Projects like this not only help protect against wildfires but also provide valuable community education and create good-paying jobs—critical as we deal with climate change and rising wildfire risks. The Bella Coola Community Forest organization is receiving nearly $149,000 to complete wildfire mitigation work in an area south of Hagensborg and the Bella Coola airport.
Rick Maddison, who lost his home in the 2003 Okanagan Mountain wildfire, and Murray Wilson, a retired forester of Vernon have teamed up to create the film B.C. Is Burning, a documentary that focuses on solutions, rather than devastation. “I’m hoping if these ideas in the film are adopted, more communities can be protected from this ongoing threat,” said Maddison. The project began in 2024, and the team is looking to raise funds to help finish the project and distribute the film. …“We’ve spoken with some of the leading people in the field,” said Wilson. “Their insights could change how we manage our forests — and how we protect our communities.” The team is hoping to raise $45,000. Recognizing the film’s importance for B.C.’s future, Kelowna-based Homestead Foods, a local hydroponics and sustainable farming operation, has agreed to match donations up to $22,500 to fund the final stages and the launch of the documentary. To watch the trailer and donate, visit
VICTORIA – Workers and communities throughout B.C. are benefiting from Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) supported projects that reduce wildfire risk and increase fibre supply, keeping local mills and energy plants running in the face of U.S. tariff threats and unjustified softwood lumber duties. With $28 million from the Province, FESBC is supporting 43 new and expanded fibre-recovery projects and 31 new and expanded wildfire-mitigation projects. “In tough times, I want workers in our forest sector to know I’ve got their back,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Whether it’s better utilizing existing sources of fibre or helping protect communities from wildfire, the projects are supporting workers and companies as they develop new and innovative forest practices.” Projects are taking place in all eight of the Province’s natural resource regions, helping create jobs, reducing wildfire risk and supporting B.C.’s pulp and biomass sector. They will be complete by the end of March 2025, in advance of wildfire season.
BURNABY, BC
The Willow Creek watershed project will restore wetlands and watercourses in the Homalco First Nation’s territory to reduce flooding and other climate disaster risks, but also boost cultural values and sustainable economic development, said Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Chief Darren Blaney. Wetlands and riparian areas are critical because they slow and store water moving across the landscape during heavy rains to prevent floods and reduce the wildfire risk created when forests dry out. The Xwémalhkwu, whose territory is in the Campbell River area, recently secured $1.5 million in provincial funding for watershed mapping to identify flood risks and environmentally important areas, Blaney said. The project will focus on balancing the community’s climate resiliency with ecological needs. …Collaborating with partners like Strathcona Regional District will create a holistic approach to flooding that will also protect downstream neighbours, like Campbell River’s Willow Point community, David Carson, Homalco’s emergency planning and land use consultant noted. 
British Columbia is set to require Canadian products to fulfil renewable fuel standards for gasoline and diesel, a move Energy Minister Adrian Dix said was aimed at building a “cleaner, stronger and more self-reliant” province. Dix said B.C. is too reliant on fuels from outside Canada, making the province vulnerable to market fluctuations and other external pressures. At the same time, he said the United States provides “dramatic subsidies” for its own biofuel industry to a degree that curtails the industry in B.C. and Canada. “For too long, B.C. biofuel producers have operated in a market where their American counterparts benefited from subsidies that gave them a considerable competitive advantage,” he told the news conference announcing the changes. …Ian Quartly, chief financial officer of Tidewater Renewables, joined Dix and said the changes are a positive step toward supporting an economically viable domestic renewable fuels industry.
